It’s last chance saloon for both Donegal and Armagh as they lock horns in the Electric Ireland Ulster Minor Football championship in Ballybofey tomorrow evening.
Home advantage is a big plus for team manager Gary Duffy and his boys who came up short against Tyrone in the first round of the championship.
Ciaran McKeever’s young Orchard Lads overcame Antrim in their last outing after losing out to Derry in their opening round.
But manager Duffy is well aware of the challenge facing his young charges.
And that defeat to Tyrone could be a real motivator to get back on track in this competition.
“To be honest they felt they did not do themselves justice against Tyrone,'' he said.
“We had loads of possession, but we got turned over quite a lot against Tyrone.
“This is our last chance to progress and we will be going all out to achieve that.”
Donegal have a strong central spine from Kieran Tobin, Jack Gallagher, Kealan Dulleavey, Eoin Dowling and the talismanic Senan Rooney, while Johnny McGroddy is s noted marksman.
Armagh are powered by talented full-forward Mark McKeever who hit 1-2 against Antrim with Oisin King and Caolan Reavey also influential figures up front.
Ciaran McKeever’s men have a strong defence and a deadly scoring full-forward line which is a formidable balance-something the astute Duffy is keenly aware of.
“They can mix it both ways, with a good defence and a pretty impressive attack and Mark McKeever is a fine player along with Oisin King,' stated Duffy.
“And they are also coming on the back of a fine wins over Antrim which should give them a good boost of confidence.
“So both sides will feel they have a good chance and we are hoping for the Donegal supporters get behind our fine young team who will be the stars of the future.”
Interestingly last year’s Ulster finalists Monaghan and Derry also came through the back door, so there is huge motivation for both of these well-drilled sides.
Duffy and Co had been dogged with some niggling injuries in the League, but the team boss reports a relatively clean bill of health for tonight’s tussle in Ballybofey.
“Yes, we are not too bad and everyone is just looking forward to getting back out on the field for this very big game.”
Donegal keeper Daithi Roberts gives them an extra option from long range frees.
But Duffy and Co will be hoping that his team hammers home their advantage, something they failed to do after getting their goal at a crucial time in the opener against Tyrone.
It is this late fadeout which also happened in the League tie against Tyrone that remains Tir Conaill’s biggest concern.
On both occasions they surrendered a strong position to finish second best.
Armagh are good at getting quick early balk into their very dangerous full-forward line that hit a total of 1-7 against Antrim.
They are also good in transition and will be coming to Ballybofey with no fear.
But, injured pride, home advantage and some explosive talent up front might just shade matters for the home side.
